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Fetal oxygen uptake during uterine contractures.
A J Llanos1, B S Block, D J Court
1Departamento de Preclinicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago.
Journal of Developmental Physiology
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Fetal oxygen tension decreases during contractures. Fetal oxygen consumption increases due to higher muscular activity, as indicated by elevated umbilical venous-arterial oxygen content difference.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Physiology
- Fetal Metabolism
Background:
- Fetal contractures are associated with decreased oxygen tension.
- The impact of contractures on fetal oxygen consumption remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate fetal oxygen consumption during contractures.
- To determine if changes in oxygen consumption correlate with decreased oxygen tension.
Main Methods:
- Calculated fetal oxygen consumption using umbilical blood flow and oxygen content differences.
- Measured umbilical venous and arterial oxygen content during relaxation and contractures.
- Assessed umbilical blood flow during relaxation and contractures.
Main Results:
- Umbilical venous and arterial oxygen content decreased during contractures.
- The umbilical venous-arterial oxygen content difference increased significantly.
- Fetal oxygen uptake increased during contractures, despite unchanged umbilical blood flow.
Conclusions:
- Fetal oxygen consumption increases during contractures.
- This increase is likely due to heightened muscular activity and tone associated with fetal contractures.